Action Centers: The Secret of Consistant Touch

This class is in two parts within the one class session. The first part focuses on conceptualizing action center operation and service; and the second demonstrates an efficient and highly accurate method for re-centering using sized broaches. The discussion will include evaluating the amount of friction needed for any given action part, the effects of pinning on touch and tone, and dealing with the various types of bushing cloths encountered.
1.5 hrs. - Class level: All Levels

Piano and Hammer Voicing the Kawai Way

This class gives a detailed discussion and demonstration of Kawai factory voicing procedures, and is useful to any technician who works with hard-pressed style hammers. The process of developing a full, warm tone with a wide range of tone colors in new hammers is demonstrated from start to finish using sample new hammers installed in a Kawai RX grand.
3.0 hrs. - Class level: Intermediate to Advanced

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Bio: Don Mannino

Don began an apprenticeship with a piano rebuilder while completing his studies at San Diego State University as a piano performance major in 1979. As an independent piano technician in the San Diego area Don divided his business between normal tuning, concert piano preparation, rebuilding, and providing warranty work for dealers and manufacturers. He held the position of National Service Manager for Young Chang Pianos from 1990 - 1995, then was Manager of Technical Support for Kawai Pianos in the US and Canada, and now serves as the Director of Technical Training for Kawai and Shigeru Kawai Pianos. Don and his wife Patty are the editors of the Southern California Combined PTG newsletter. He teaches regularly at regional technician seminars, PTG Annual conventions, and at PTG chapter meetings, and is known for his clear presentations with visual aids, using a practical approach which can be applied to servicing all brands of pianos. Mr. Mannino has had articles on a variety of technical topics published in the Piano Technicians Journal, including Action Center service, a series on grand action regulation, and the use of plastics in piano actions. Don resides in Cypress, CA with his wife and daughter. dmannino@kawaius.com